KCK student accepts commission in Marines

A Kansas City, Kan., student at the University of Kansas has been commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

2nd Lt. Edward Stimac of Kansas City, Kan., is an accounting and information systems major who recently graduated from KU.

Members of the Army, Air Force, Naval Reserve and Marines ROTC programs at the University of Kansas, as well as officer candidates, were commissioned in a joint ceremony May 19. Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little attended the event to recognize the students.

The six Navy-option and two Marine-option NROTC students were commissioned by Brig. Gen. John Simmons, commanding general of Training Command, Quantico, Va., at the ceremony, which was May 19. More than 200 people attended the event.

Commissioning was the culmination of a long training path for these former midshipmen.

During his commencement address, Simmons expressed words of encouragement, and he discussed leadership and the future responsibilities of the officers. He described the oath and offered words of wisdom garnered over his vast career experience.

Simmons administered the oath of office to the group of new officers from all four military branches simultaneously.

Commanding officers presenting the commissions were Lt. Col. Storm Reynolds, professor of military science; Lt. Col. Brian Salmans, professor of aerospace studies; and Capt. David Schweizer, professor of naval science. The chancellor and senior vice provost of academic affairs, Sara Rosen, were distinguished guests.

Catron graduates from basic training

Airman Sarah Catron
Air Force Airman Sarah L. Catron graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Catron is the daughter of Michelle and Larry Catron of Bonner Springs.
She is a 2013 graduate of Bonner Springs High School.

Police chief to speak at Women’s Chamber meeting

Ellen Hanson, Kansas City, Kan., interim chief of police, will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, June 11, at the meeting of the KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Hanson is the retired chief of police of Lenexa, Kan., and interim chief in Kansas City, Kan. She will speak about her career and how she succeeded in a male-dominated field.

The networking session is from 11:30 a.m. to noon followed by lunch and program from noon to 1 p.m. June 11 at Dave and Busters, The Legends Outlets, Village West.

The cost for lunch is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. There will be a fundraiser for the scholarship fund.

Guests are welcome, but reservations are required by emailing Barbara Newby at btnewbyks@gmail.com or calling 913-485-1208 or Ardith Deason at deason_a@wmhci.org -telephone, 913-233-3305.